CFL Week 16

With free agency winding down, CFL.ca looks at some of the under-the-radar signings of the past week. Who made the list?

Under the Radar: Who were this year’s sneaky-good signings?

With free agency winding down, CFL.ca looks at some of the under-the-radar signings of the past week. Who made the list?

Under the Radar: Who were this year’s sneaky-good signings?

With free agency winding down, CFL.ca looks at some of the under-the-radar signings of the past week. Who made the list?

Under the Radar: Who were this year’s sneaky-good signings?

With free agency winding down, CFL.ca looks at some of the under-the-radar signings of the past week. Who made the list?

CFL publishing negotiation lists for publicity

The CFL took a new step Tuesday by revealing 10 players on each team’s negotiation lists, which is a starting point for teams calling dibs on players for the future. But as important as the names themselves is the fact they realized the benefit of creating an opportunity for attention in the offseason. In a [more]

CFL publishing negotiation lists for publicity

The CFL took a new step Tuesday by revealing 10 players on each team’s negotiation lists, which is a starting point for teams calling dibs on players for the future. But as important as the names themselves is the fact they realized the benefit of creating an opportunity for attention in the offseason. In a [more]

So why is Johnny Manziel suddenly unleashing a media blitz? With a CFL team interested in his services for 2018, it could be that Manziel wants to take a final shot at getting a spot on a 90-man offseason NFL roster before committing to Canada. One specific comment he made on the Pardon My Take [more]

Could Your Team Be Desperate Enough to Sign Johnny Manziel in 2018?

Johnny Manziel is cleared to play in the NFL or CFL this year, and these are some places he could end up. Is your team ready for Johnny Football?

Defensive lineman John Bowman to return for 13th CFL season with Alouettes

Defensive lineman John Bowman to return for 13th CFL season with Alouettes

Under the Radar: Don’t overlook these 10 free agents

Some of the CFL's top stars are just days away from hitting the market. Now, let's look at some of the players outside our top 30 shouldn't be overlooked.

Under the Radar: Don’t overlook these 10 free agents

Some of the CFL's top stars are just days away from hitting the market. Now, let's look at some of the players outside our top 30 shouldn't be overlooked.

Under the Radar: Don’t overlook these 10 free agents

Some of the CFL's top stars are just days away from hitting the market. Now, let's look at some of the players outside our top 30 shouldn't be overlooked.

Under the Radar: Don’t overlook these 10 free agents

Some of the CFL's top stars are just days away from hitting the market. Now, let's look at some of the players outside our top 30 shouldn't be overlooked.

One of the CFL's most prolific offences will look a little different in 2018, but that doesn't mean it'll be any less productive. CFL.ca's Jeff Krever writes.

Analysis: Esks’ offence won’t be any less productive in ’18

One of the CFL's most prolific offences will look a little different in 2018, but that doesn't mean it'll be any less productive. CFL.ca's Jeff Krever writes.

Analysis: Esks’ offence won’t be any less productive in ’18

One of the CFL's most prolific offences will look a little different in 2018, but that doesn't mean it'll be any less productive. CFL.ca's Jeff Krever writes.

LSU Hires Former Florida OC Doug Nussmeier as Offensive Analyst

Former Florida offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier is expected to join LSU’s staff as an offensive analyst, a source told SI. He also has worked as an offensive coordinator at Alabama, Michigan, Washington and Fresno State. Before that he was the quarterbacks coach of the St. Louis Rams.

The 47-year-old Nussmeier spent four seasons as a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints and also spent time with the Colts and in the CFL.

The 15 most impactful off-season moves…so far

While Johnny Manziel hasn't signed anywhere, and free agency is still on its way, the CFL off-season has brought plenty of change. Let's look at the biggest moves so far.

The 15 most impactful off-season moves…so far

While Johnny Manziel hasn't signed anywhere, and free agency is still on its way, the CFL off-season has brought plenty of change. Let's look at the biggest moves so far.

The 15 most impactful off-season moves…so far

While Johnny Manziel hasn't signed anywhere, and free agency is still on its way, the CFL off-season has brought plenty of change. Let's look at the biggest moves so far.

The 15 most impactful off-season moves…so far

While Johnny Manziel hasn't signed anywhere, and free agency is still on its way, the CFL off-season has brought plenty of change. Let's look at the biggest moves so far.

The 15 most impactful off-season moves…so far

While Johnny Manziel hasn't signed anywhere, and free agency is still on its way, the CFL off-season has brought plenty of change. Let's look at the biggest moves so far.

The 15 most impactful off-season moves…so far

While Johnny Manziel hasn't signed anywhere, and free agency is still on its way, the CFL off-season has brought plenty of change. Let's look at the biggest moves so far.

Why Did Josh McDaniels Just Abandon the Colts?

EDITORS' NOTE: Tomorrow, we're turning the tables and asking for your thoughts on The Morning Huddle at the end of Year 1. We really appreciate any feedback you have for us. Look out for the survey at the normal time, and we'll be back with another regular edition Friday.

Josh McDaniels stunned Indianapolis and the football world Tuesday, reneging on an agreement to coach the Colts in favor of staying on as Patriots offensive coordinator. "Unreal," one Indy front office member told ESPN, which broke the story. "I'm at a loss."? Many hours later, I'm still stuck on why. What could have happened over the past 24 hours—over the past month—to convince McDaniels that sacrificing his football reputation was worth sticking around in New England?

ESPN reported that Patriots owner Robert Kraft offered this week to beef up McDaniels's contract, but surely he won't be getting more than he would have as the Colts' head coach. Even if Kraft promised McDaniels the top job after Bill Belichick retires, what would have prevented McDaniels from leaving Indy for that position whenever it became available rather than agreeing to wait in a lieutenant role? Peter King is reporting that Belichick and Kraft convinced McDaniels to stay during a lengthy conversation Tuesday, but I'm having a hard time imagining what they could possibly have said.

There are reports that McDaniels did not want to move his family to Indiana, though King has been told that wasn't a deciding factor. As for questions around Andrew Luck's health, I'd be shocked if his condition changed dramatically over the last couple days. Overnight, King, Albert Breer and Conor Orr helped fill in some of the gaps, like where the Colts go from here. Still one big question remains, and I'm not sure we'll ever get a satisfactory explanation. Ultimately, McDaniels may have simply found himself unwilling to accept the myriad risks that come with the unknown. But staying put is a perilous choice too.

HOT READS

NOW ON THE MMQB: Andrew Brandt presents 10 storylines to watch ... Robert Klemko argues that Doug Pederson is obviously the Coach of the Year ... Greg Bishop and Ben Baskin file the post-Super Bowl magazine story every fan must read ... and more.

PRESS COVERAGE

1. What was the deal with Malcolm Butler? More than two days have passed since the Patriots corner was kept off the field Sunday, and we still don't really know why. Tuesday, he posted a three-paragraph statement on Instagram thanking the organization, denying rumors that he "participated in any of the ridiculous activities being reported," and apologizing for using foul language after the game. Butler is one of several topics I expect Matt Patricia to be asked about today as he is introduced as Lions head coach. Then again, maybe we should just give up on ever trying to understand anything Patriots-related.

3. More Super Bowl (commercials) talk! Neil Best digs into the Eli Manning—Odell Beckham Jr. commercial that stole our hearts. And yes, Manning actually held the receiver over his head for the cameras, though, "There was some help to take a little bit of the weight off," creative director Cam Miller said.

4.Ryan Shazier has clarified reports that he's walking, verifying a tweet that stated he has movement in his legs but walks with the assistance of a walker. Tuesday night, he stood up at a Penguins game.

5. Titans wideout Rishard Matthews went from criticizing Colin Kaepernick to being the lone Tennessee player to stay in the locker room during the national anthem. Jason Wolf chronicled that transition. In other political news, President Donald Trumptweeted, "So disgraceful that a person illegally in our country killed @Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson," and Indianapolis columnist Gregg Doyel told the President, "Keep Edwin Jackson’s name out of your mouth." Lastly, at least three Eagles won't be going to the White House.

6. "New Browns personnel consultant Scot McCloughan is already on record as saying that Baker Mayfield would be his man if he had to draft a quarterback this year to lead his franchise," Mary Kay Cabot writes. So what does that mean for Cleveland's draft plans?

7. 61-year-old coach Brad Childress is returning from (a very brief) retirement to help "partner in crime" Matt Nagy.

8. Jon Gruden has made his first roster move, cutting Raiders corner David Amerson. Meanwhile, the Ravens have won the Devier Posey sweepstakes. Posey, a wide receiver, previously played in Houston before heading to the CFL, where he was the MVP of November's Grey Cup.

9. Le'Veon Bell told Stephen A. Smith, when asked about former offensive coordinator Todd Haley, "It would be a big situation and Todd would call a play that Ben don’t necessarily like?." New OC Randy Fichtner, on the other hand, will "give Ben what he wants?."

10. Shane Matthews, an NFL QB for 14 years, is heading to prison as part of a healthcare fraud conspiracy.

Have a story you think we should include in tomorrow’s Press Coverage?Let us know here.

THE KICKER

Question? Comment? Story idea? Let the team know at talkback@themmqb.com

Why Did Josh McDaniels Just Abandon the Colts?

EDITORS' NOTE: Tomorrow, we're turning the tables and asking for your thoughts on The Morning Huddle at the end of Year 1. We really appreciate any feedback you have for us. Look out for the survey at the normal time, and we'll be back with another regular edition Friday.

Josh McDaniels stunned Indianapolis and the football world Tuesday, reneging on an agreement to coach the Colts in favor of staying on as Patriots offensive coordinator. "Unreal," one Indy front office member told ESPN, which broke the story. "I'm at a loss."? Many hours later, I'm still stuck on why. What could have happened over the past 24 hours—over the past month—to convince McDaniels that sacrificing his football reputation was worth sticking around in New England?

ESPN reported that Patriots owner Robert Kraft offered this week to beef up McDaniels's contract, but surely he won't be getting more than he would have as the Colts' head coach. Even if Kraft promised McDaniels the top job after Bill Belichick retires, what would have prevented McDaniels from leaving Indy for that position whenever it became available rather than agreeing to wait in a lieutenant role? Peter King is reporting that Belichick and Kraft convinced McDaniels to stay during a lengthy conversation Tuesday, but I'm having a hard time imagining what they could possibly have said.

There are reports that McDaniels did not want to move his family to Indiana, though King has been told that wasn't a deciding factor. As for questions around Andrew Luck's health, I'd be shocked if his condition changed dramatically over the last couple days. Overnight, King, Albert Breer and Conor Orr helped fill in some of the gaps, like where the Colts go from here. Still one big question remains, and I'm not sure we'll ever get a satisfactory explanation. Ultimately, McDaniels may have simply found himself unwilling to accept the myriad risks that come with the unknown. But staying put is a perilous choice too.

HOT READS

NOW ON THE MMQB: Andrew Brandt presents 10 storylines to watch ... Robert Klemko argues that Doug Pederson is obviously the Coach of the Year ... Greg Bishop and Ben Baskin file the post-Super Bowl magazine story every fan must read ... and more.

PRESS COVERAGE

1. What was the deal with Malcolm Butler? More than two days have passed since the Patriots corner was kept off the field Sunday, and we still don't really know why. Tuesday, he posted a three-paragraph statement on Instagram thanking the organization, denying rumors that he "participated in any of the ridiculous activities being reported," and apologizing for using foul language after the game. Butler is one of several topics I expect Matt Patricia to be asked about today as he is introduced as Lions head coach. Then again, maybe we should just give up on ever trying to understand anything Patriots-related.

3. More Super Bowl (commercials) talk! Neil Best digs into the Eli Manning—Odell Beckham Jr. commercial that stole our hearts. And yes, Manning actually held the receiver over his head for the cameras, though, "There was some help to take a little bit of the weight off," creative director Cam Miller said.

4.Ryan Shazier has clarified reports that he's walking, verifying a tweet that stated he has movement in his legs but walks with the assistance of a walker. Tuesday night, he stood up at a Penguins game.

5. Titans wideout Rishard Matthews went from criticizing Colin Kaepernick to being the lone Tennessee player to stay in the locker room during the national anthem. Jason Wolf chronicled that transition. In other political news, President Donald Trumptweeted, "So disgraceful that a person illegally in our country killed @Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson," and Indianapolis columnist Gregg Doyel told the President, "Keep Edwin Jackson’s name out of your mouth." Lastly, at least three Eagles won't be going to the White House.

6. "New Browns personnel consultant Scot McCloughan is already on record as saying that Baker Mayfield would be his man if he had to draft a quarterback this year to lead his franchise," Mary Kay Cabot writes. So what does that mean for Cleveland's draft plans?

7. 61-year-old coach Brad Childress is returning from (a very brief) retirement to help "partner in crime" Matt Nagy.

8. Jon Gruden has made his first roster move, cutting Raiders corner David Amerson. Meanwhile, the Ravens have won the Devier Posey sweepstakes. Posey, a wide receiver, previously played in Houston before heading to the CFL, where he was the MVP of November's Grey Cup.

9. Le'Veon Bell told Stephen A. Smith, when asked about former offensive coordinator Todd Haley, "It would be a big situation and Todd would call a play that Ben don’t necessarily like?." New OC Randy Fichtner, on the other hand, will "give Ben what he wants?."

10. Shane Matthews, an NFL QB for 14 years, is heading to prison as part of a healthcare fraud conspiracy.

Have a story you think we should include in tomorrow’s Press Coverage?Let us know here.

THE KICKER

Question? Comment? Story idea? Let the team know at talkback@themmqb.com

Why Did Josh McDaniels Just Abandon the Colts?

EDITORS' NOTE: Tomorrow, we're turning the tables and asking for your thoughts on The Morning Huddle at the end of Year 1. We really appreciate any feedback you have for us. Look out for the survey at the normal time, and we'll be back with another regular edition Friday.

Josh McDaniels stunned Indianapolis and the football world Tuesday, reneging on an agreement to coach the Colts in favor of staying on as Patriots offensive coordinator. "Unreal," one Indy front office member told ESPN, which broke the story. "I'm at a loss."? Many hours later, I'm still stuck on why. What could have happened over the past 24 hours—over the past month—to convince McDaniels that sacrificing his football reputation was worth sticking around in New England?

ESPN reported that Patriots owner Robert Kraft offered this week to beef up McDaniels's contract, but surely he won't be getting more than he would have as the Colts' head coach. Even if Kraft promised McDaniels the top job after Bill Belichick retires, what would have prevented McDaniels from leaving Indy for that position whenever it became available rather than agreeing to wait in a lieutenant role? Peter King is reporting that Belichick and Kraft convinced McDaniels to stay during a lengthy conversation Tuesday, but I'm having a hard time imagining what they could possibly have said.

There are reports that McDaniels did not want to move his family to Indiana, though King has been told that wasn't a deciding factor. As for questions around Andrew Luck's health, I'd be shocked if his condition changed dramatically over the last couple days. Overnight, King, Albert Breer and Conor Orr helped fill in some of the gaps, like where the Colts go from here. Still one big question remains, and I'm not sure we'll ever get a satisfactory explanation. Ultimately, McDaniels may have simply found himself unwilling to accept the myriad risks that come with the unknown. But staying put is a perilous choice too.

HOT READS

NOW ON THE MMQB: Andrew Brandt presents 10 storylines to watch ... Robert Klemko argues that Doug Pederson is obviously the Coach of the Year ... Greg Bishop and Ben Baskin file the post-Super Bowl magazine story every fan must read ... and more.

PRESS COVERAGE

1. What was the deal with Malcolm Butler? More than two days have passed since the Patriots corner was kept off the field Sunday, and we still don't really know why. Tuesday, he posted a three-paragraph statement on Instagram thanking the organization, denying rumors that he "participated in any of the ridiculous activities being reported," and apologizing for using foul language after the game. Butler is one of several topics I expect Matt Patricia to be asked about today as he is introduced as Lions head coach. Then again, maybe we should just give up on ever trying to understand anything Patriots-related.

3. More Super Bowl (commercials) talk! Neil Best digs into the Eli Manning—Odell Beckham Jr. commercial that stole our hearts. And yes, Manning actually held the receiver over his head for the cameras, though, "There was some help to take a little bit of the weight off," creative director Cam Miller said.

4.Ryan Shazier has clarified reports that he's walking, verifying a tweet that stated he has movement in his legs but walks with the assistance of a walker. Tuesday night, he stood up at a Penguins game.

5. Titans wideout Rishard Matthews went from criticizing Colin Kaepernick to being the lone Tennessee player to stay in the locker room during the national anthem. Jason Wolf chronicled that transition. In other political news, President Donald Trumptweeted, "So disgraceful that a person illegally in our country killed @Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson," and Indianapolis columnist Gregg Doyel told the President, "Keep Edwin Jackson’s name out of your mouth." Lastly, at least three Eagles won't be going to the White House.

6. "New Browns personnel consultant Scot McCloughan is already on record as saying that Baker Mayfield would be his man if he had to draft a quarterback this year to lead his franchise," Mary Kay Cabot writes. So what does that mean for Cleveland's draft plans?

7. 61-year-old coach Brad Childress is returning from (a very brief) retirement to help "partner in crime" Matt Nagy.

8. Jon Gruden has made his first roster move, cutting Raiders corner David Amerson. Meanwhile, the Ravens have won the Devier Posey sweepstakes. Posey, a wide receiver, previously played in Houston before heading to the CFL, where he was the MVP of November's Grey Cup.

9. Le'Veon Bell told Stephen A. Smith, when asked about former offensive coordinator Todd Haley, "It would be a big situation and Todd would call a play that Ben don’t necessarily like?." New OC Randy Fichtner, on the other hand, will "give Ben what he wants?."

10. Shane Matthews, an NFL QB for 14 years, is heading to prison as part of a healthcare fraud conspiracy.

Have a story you think we should include in tomorrow’s Press Coverage?Let us know here.